AWS A5.20 / ASME SFA-5.20 · Gas-shielded flux-cored wire (FCAW)

E71T-1 Flux-Cored Welding Wire

Q: What does E71T-1 mean?

E is an arc welding electrode; 7 is the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal in tens of thousands of psi, so 70,000 psi or 490 MPa; 1 means it welds in all positions including vertical and overhead; T means a tubular flux-cored wire rather than a solid one; and -1 is the usability designator for a rutile flux running on DC electrode positive with a smooth spray arc and easily removed slag. A trailing C or M says which shielding gas it was classified under.

Q: What is the difference between E71T-1C and E71T-1M?

The shielding gas it was classified under. C is 100 % CO₂; M is an argon–CO₂ mix, typically 75–80 % argon. The same wire usually carries both classifications with different properties against each, and the hydrogen suffix often differs too — commonly H4 under CO₂ and H8 under the mix. Weld with the gas your procedure qualified on, because the mechanical properties genuinely differ.

Q: What is the difference between E71T-1 and E70T-1?

The position digit. E71T-1 is all-positional, so it can be welded vertical-up and overhead. E70T-1 is restricted to flat and horizontal fillet welding. Both are 70 ksi classes with the same rutile flux system. If your work involves anything out of position, you need the 1.

Q: Is flux-cored wire better than stick welding?

For shop fabrication of carbon steel, usually yes on productivity: a flux-cored wire typically deposits two to three times as much metal per hour as a stick electrode while still welding out of position, and there is no electrode changing or stub loss. Stick remains better where gas shielding is impractical — windy site conditions, confined access, or work that cannot justify dragging a feeder and gas bottle to it.

Q: What is a seamless flux-cored wire?

A conventional flux-cored wire is a strip rolled into a tube, leaving a seam through which atmospheric moisture can reach the flux during storage — a common and under-diagnosed cause of porosity. A seamless wire has that seam laser-welded closed, so the flux cannot pick up moisture and the hydrogen level stays as manufactured. In Gulf humidity, and on work where hydrogen cracking matters, that is a real advantage rather than a marketing one.

Q: Does flux-cored wire need shielding gas?

E71T-1 does — it is a gas-shielded classification and will not produce sound weld metal without it. Self-shielded flux-cored wires are a separate family, classified under designators such as E71T-8 and E71T-11, where the flux generates its own shielding. Those are the ones used outdoors in wind, and they are not interchangeable with E71T-1.

Q: Who supplies E71T-1 flux-cored wire in Abu Dhabi?

POFIS supplies the ESAB FILARC, Dual Shield and OK Tubrod flux-cored ranges from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and the wider GCC, as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre, approved ADNOC vendor and ISO 9001 certified supplier. Tell us the diameter, shielding gas and any impact requirement and we will confirm the grade before quoting. Email weldiv@pofis.ae.

E71T-1 is an all-positional, gas-shielded rutile flux-cored welding wire classified to AWS A5.20 for carbon and carbon-manganese steels, depositing weld metal with a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi (490 MPa) on DC electrode positive under either CO₂ or an argon–CO₂ mix, and combining the deposition rate of a continuously fed wire with the slag support that makes vertical-up and overhead welding practical.

Carbon and carbon-manganese steel
Gas-shielded flux-cored wire (FCAW)
EN ISO 17632-A
5 ESAB grades

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Price on request. POFIS is an ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre in Abu Dhabi — quotations include confirmed lead time and delivery terms.

The designation

What E71T-1 means

E: An electrode for arc welding.
7: Minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal in tens of thousands of pounds per square inch — 70,000 psi, which is 490 MPa. Note the single digit here, where a stick electrode designation uses two.
1: All-position: flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead. A 0 in this place would restrict the wire to flat and horizontal fillet welding, which is the difference between E71T-1 and E70T-1.
T: A tubular electrode — a metal sheath filled with flux — rather than a solid wire. The flux forms a slag that supports the molten pool against gravity, which is what makes all-position welding possible at these deposition rates.
-1: The usability designator: a rutile flux, DC electrode positive, with a spray-type transfer, a smooth arc and an easily detached slag. This is the general-purpose flux-cored classification.
C / M: The shielding gas the wire was classified under. C means 100 % CO₂, M means an argon–CO₂ mix (typically 75–80 % argon). A wire marked E71T-1C H4 was classified under CO₂; E71T-1M H8 under the mix. Most ESAB grades carry both, with different hydrogen levels against each.
H4 / H8: Diffusible hydrogen of no more than 4 or 8 ml per 100 g of deposited weld metal. The same wire commonly achieves H4 under CO₂ and H8 under a mix, so read the suffix against the gas you will actually weld with.

Reading the E71T-1 designation, left to right.

How it behaves

E71T-1 in practice

Why flux-cored rather than solid wire

A solid MIG wire relies entirely on gas for shielding and on surface tension to hold the pool, which limits how much metal can be deposited out of position. A flux-cored wire forms a slag that physically supports the molten pool, so it can be run vertical-up and overhead at currents a solid wire could not sustain. On heavy fabrication — structural sections, thick plate, pressure vessel shells — that typically means two to three times the deposition rate of stick welding with the positional freedom stick gives, which is why E71T-1 dominates shop fabrication of carbon steel.

Rutile flux and its trade-off

The -1 designator means a rutile flux system. It gives a smooth spray arc, a flat well-wetted bead and slag that detaches almost on its own, all of which make it forgiving for an average welder. The trade-off is toughness: a rutile deposit generally gives lower low-temperature impact values than the basic flux of an E71T-5. Where a procedure demands deep sub-zero impacts, a rutile wire may not be the right answer regardless of how well it runs.

The gas changes the numbers, and sometimes the answer

CO₂ is cheaper, penetrates more deeply and usually gives a lower hydrogen result on these wires — several ESAB grades are H4 under CO₂ and only H8 under a mix. An argon–CO₂ mix gives less spatter, a cleaner bead and markedly better toughness: Dual Shield Prime 71 LT H4 returns 78 J at −40 °C under M21 and 54 J under CO₂. Choose the gas from the procedure, not from the price list, and quote the classification with its gas letter so the right wire is shipped.

Seamless wires and hydrogen

A conventional flux-cored wire is formed by rolling a strip into a tube, leaving a seam that lets atmospheric moisture into the flux during storage — which is why a part-used spool left out over a humid weekend can start producing porosity. A seamless wire has that seam laser-welded closed, so the flux cannot pick up moisture and the hydrogen level stays where the manufacturer set it. On high-integrity and sub-zero work in Gulf humidity, that is a substantive difference and not a marketing one.

What POFIS supplies

ESAB E71T-1 grades

Every grade below carries the E71T-1 classification, which is why a WPS naming E71T-1 can be satisfied by any of them. They are not interchangeable in practice — the differences in current type, hydrogen level and impact toughness are what decide which one belongs on your job. Figures are the manufacturer's typical as-welded values.

**E71T-1 grades supplied by POFIS** — typical as-welded properties. Blank cells are values the manufacturer does not publish for that grade, not zeros.
Grade	Classification	Yield	Tensile	Elong.	Impact (lowest published)	Diffusible H₂
FILARC PZ6113 POFIS recommends	E71T-1C H4 / E71T-1M H8 (AWS A5.20) T 46 4 P M21 1 H5 / T 42 3 P C1 1 H5	535 MPa	601 MPa	25 %	70 J at −40 °C	—
Dual Shield Prime 71 LT H4	E71T-1C/1M/9C-J/9M-J-H4, E71T-12C-J/12M-J-H4 (AWS A5.20) T42 4 P M21 1 H5 / T42 4 P C1 1 H5	480 MPa	540 MPa	32 %	78 J at −40 °C	< 4 ml/100g
OK Tubrod 15.14	E71T-1C H8 / E71T-1M H8 (AWS A5.20) T 46 3 P M21 2 H5 / T 46 2 P C1 1 H5	590 MPa	661 MPa	23 %	120 J at −20 °C	< 5 ml/100g
Dual Shield 46M RMn	E71T-1M H8 (AWS A5.20) T 46 3 P M21 2	497 MPa	588 MPa	27 %	75 J at −30 °C	—
OK E71T-1	E71T-1C H4 / E71T-1M H8 (AWS A5.20) T 46 2 P M21 1 H10 / T 42 2 P C1 1 H5	490 MPa	580 MPa	26 %	95 J at −20 °C	—

FILARC PZ6113 E71T-1C H4 / E71T-1M H8 (AWS A5.20)

The workhorse multi-purpose all-positional rutile wire, and the one with the broadest classification society approvals in the group. Runs on CO₂ or an argon mix, 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm. Quote this one when a specification simply says E71T-1.

Diameters: 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm
Alloy type: Carbon-manganese
Type: Rutile flux-cored, all-positional
Approvals: ABS · BV · CE · DB · DNV · LR · PRS · RINA · UKCA · VdTÜV
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-69

Dual Shield Prime 71 LT H4 E71T-1C/1M/9C-J/9M-J-H4, E71T-12C-J/12M-J-H4 (AWS A5.20)

Seamless and copper-free: the laser-welded seam stops the flux absorbing moisture, so hydrogen stays below 4 ml/100 g, and no copper flakes reach the liner or contact tip. The best low-temperature toughness here at 78 J at −40 °C. For thick section and high-integrity work.

Diameters: 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm
Alloy type: Carbon-manganese
Type: Seamless rutile flux-cored, copper free, all-positional
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-74

OK Tubrod 15.14 E71T-1C H8 / E71T-1M H8 (AWS A5.20)

The strongest of the group under an argon mix at 590 MPa yield. Its CO₂ figures are far lower at 497 MPa, the widest gas gap on this page — weld it under the gas the procedure qualified on, not whichever is on the trolley.

Alloy type: Carbon-manganese
Type: Rutile flux-cored, all-positional except vertical down below 1.4 mm
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-85

Dual Shield 46M RMn E71T-1M H8 (AWS A5.20)

Reduced manganese in the welding fume while holding the E71T-1M classification. Argon-mix only — it is not classified for CO₂ — so confirm the gas supply before specifying it.

Diameters: 1.2 mm
Alloy type: Carbon-manganese
Type: Rutile flux-cored, all-positional, M21 only
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-76

OK E71T-1 E71T-1C H4 / E71T-1M H8 (AWS A5.20)

The straightforward general-purpose option: all-positional rutile on CO₂ or M21, in 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 mm. For general carbon steel fabrication with no sub-zero impact requirement and no classification society involvement.

Diameters: 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm
Alloy type: Carbon-manganese
Type: Rutile flux-cored, all-positional
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-77

Diameters are listed from the manufacturer's deposition data. Ordering part numbers and pack sizes are confirmed with your quotation — send the grade and diameters you need to weldiv@pofis.ae.

Specifying

Which E71T-1 grade to specify

For general shop fabrication

FILARC PZ6113 is the workhorse: a multi-purpose all-positional rutile wire running on either CO₂ or an argon mix, with the broadest approval list of the group — ABS, BV, DNV, LR, PRS, RINA, VdTÜV and CE — and diameters from 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm. It gives 535 MPa yield and 70 J at −40 °C under M21. If a specification simply names E71T-1, this is the grade to quote.

For the highest strength from the classification

OK Tubrod 15.14 is the strongest in this group under an argon mix, at 590 MPa yield and 661 MPa tensile with 120 J at −20 °C. Note that its CO₂ figures are far lower, at 497 MPa yield — the gap between gases is wider here than on any other grade on this page, so this wire in particular must be welded under the gas its procedure qualified on.

For high-integrity and low-temperature work

Dual Shield Prime 71 LT H4 is the seamless, copper-free wire: the laser-welded seam keeps moisture out of the flux, hydrogen stays consistently below 4 ml/100 g, and the absence of copper coating means no copper flakes accumulating in liners and contact tips. It gives 117 J at −30 °C and 78 J at −40 °C under M21. It is the grade for thick section, restrained joints and anything a client is inspecting closely.

Where welder fume exposure is the constraint

Dual Shield 46M RMn is formulated to reduce manganese in the welding fume while holding the E71T-1M classification, giving 497 MPa yield and 110 J at −20 °C. It is M21-only — it is not classified for CO₂ — so confirm the gas supply before specifying it. Where an HSE assessment has flagged manganese in enclosed or confined-space welding, this is the flux-cored answer, as OK 48.10 RMn is the stick one.

The general-purpose economy option

OK E71T-1 is a straightforward multi-purpose all-positional rutile wire on CO₂ or M21, at 490 MPa yield with 95 J at −20 °C, in 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 mm. Where the work is general carbon steel fabrication with no sub-zero impact requirement and no classification society involvement, it does the job without paying for performance the procedure does not ask for.

When rutile is the wrong flux

If the procedure calls for impact values below about −40 °C, or the joint is heavily restrained in thick section, a basic flux-cored wire such as OK Tubrod 15.00 (E71T-5) is the better starting point. It runs less sweetly and the slag is harder work, but the deposit is tougher. Send POFIS the impact requirement and we will tell you whether a rutile wire can meet it before you order a pallet of the wrong thing.

Storage & handling

Storing and handling E71T-1 consumables

Seamed wire absorbs moisture; seamless does not

A conventional seamed flux-cored wire left on the machine over a humid weekend will pick up moisture through the seam, and the first symptom is porosity nobody can explain. Return part-used spools to a sealed bag with desiccant, or to a heated cabinet, and treat a spool that has been exposed for an extended period as suspect. Seamless wires such as Dual Shield Prime 71 LT H4 do not have this failure mode, which is often the real reason to pay for one in this climate.

Stickout and parameters matter more than with solid wire

Flux-cored wires are sensitive to contact-tip-to-work distance: too short and the arc is harsh and spatters, too long and shielding degrades and porosity follows. Keep to the manufacturer's stickout range for the diameter, and set voltage from the procedure rather than by ear — the smooth rutile arc hides parameter drift that is still affecting the deposit.

Frequently asked

E71T-1 — common questions

What does E71T-1 mean?

E is an arc welding electrode; 7 is the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal in tens of thousands of psi, so 70,000 psi or 490 MPa; 1 means it welds in all positions including vertical and overhead; T means a tubular flux-cored wire rather than a solid one; and -1 is the usability designator for a rutile flux running on DC electrode positive with a smooth spray arc and easily removed slag. A trailing C or M says which shielding gas it was classified under.

What is the difference between E71T-1C and E71T-1M?

The shielding gas it was classified under. C is 100 % CO₂; M is an argon–CO₂ mix, typically 75–80 % argon. The same wire usually carries both classifications with different properties against each, and the hydrogen suffix often differs too — commonly H4 under CO₂ and H8 under the mix. Weld with the gas your procedure qualified on, because the mechanical properties genuinely differ.

What is the difference between E71T-1 and E70T-1?

The position digit. E71T-1 is all-positional, so it can be welded vertical-up and overhead. E70T-1 is restricted to flat and horizontal fillet welding. Both are 70 ksi classes with the same rutile flux system. If your work involves anything out of position, you need the 1.

Is flux-cored wire better than stick welding?

For shop fabrication of carbon steel, usually yes on productivity: a flux-cored wire typically deposits two to three times as much metal per hour as a stick electrode while still welding out of position, and there is no electrode changing or stub loss. Stick remains better where gas shielding is impractical — windy site conditions, confined access, or work that cannot justify dragging a feeder and gas bottle to it.

What is a seamless flux-cored wire?

A conventional flux-cored wire is a strip rolled into a tube, leaving a seam through which atmospheric moisture can reach the flux during storage — a common and under-diagnosed cause of porosity. A seamless wire has that seam laser-welded closed, so the flux cannot pick up moisture and the hydrogen level stays as manufactured. In Gulf humidity, and on work where hydrogen cracking matters, that is a real advantage rather than a marketing one.

Does flux-cored wire need shielding gas?

E71T-1 does — it is a gas-shielded classification and will not produce sound weld metal without it. Self-shielded flux-cored wires are a separate family, classified under designators such as E71T-8 and E71T-11, where the flux generates its own shielding. Those are the ones used outdoors in wind, and they are not interchangeable with E71T-1.

Who supplies E71T-1 flux-cored wire in Abu Dhabi?

POFIS supplies the ESAB FILARC, Dual Shield and OK Tubrod flux-cored ranges from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and the wider GCC, as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre, approved ADNOC vendor and ISO 9001 certified supplier. Tell us the diameter, shielding gas and any impact requirement and we will confirm the grade before quoting. Email weldiv@pofis.ae.

Procurement & supply

Buying the E71T-1 consumables through POFIS

The E71T-1 consumables is supplied from Abu Dhabi by Perfect Oilfield & Industrial Supply LLC as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre. The information below covers what procurement and QA/QC departments normally need before raising a purchase order.

Lead time

Stock items dispatch from Abu Dhabi within 24–48 hours. Indent items are quoted with a confirmed lead time at the time of offer.

Approved vendor status

POFIS is an approved ADNOC vendor and is listed on the approved vendor lists (AVL) of major operators and EPC contractors across the GCC. We can complete supplier registration and prequalification documentation on request.

Payment terms

Standard credit terms are available to registered corporate accounts. LPO, LC and advance payment are all accepted.

Delivery terms

Delivery across the UAE and the wider GCC. Quotations can be issued on EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP terms to suit your project.

Warranty

Full manufacturer warranty, honoured locally. As an ESAB Authorized Service Centre we carry out warranty work and repairs in Abu Dhabi rather than returning equipment abroad.

Service & spares

In-UAE service, commissioning, operator training and spare parts backing for every machine we supply.

ISO 9001 Certified
Approved ADNOC Vendor
ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre

Price on request

Request a quotation for the E71T-1 filler metals

Send the form and the POFIS welding division replies with pricing, confirmed lead time, delivery terms and availability. Tell us who you are and what the job is, so the reply can be specific to it rather than a catalogue price list.

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